Written by: Mikaela Contreras, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
I just got a notification on LinkedIn saying that 78% of people in UAE and KSA are considering changing roles in 2022. I have seen similar numbers for Europe and US as well and I’m sure other parts of the world are following this trend.
With the market being extremely candidate driven, there are more opportunities for employees to try new career paths and different industries.
But it’s easy to get comfortable with what you know. And it might feel daunting and scary to try something new. After all, the first step is always the hardest.
The first step is ALWAYS figuring out what you want and what’s important to you, but for the sake of this article, I will assume that you are clear on this already.
What I want to share with you today are practical steps that you can take to accelerate your career change and help you stand out.
1. Interview or shadow a colleague/friend who has a job that you'd like to do – then you know how to tweak and enhance your CV accordingly. When trying to shift your career it can be difficult to know what skills are needed and what knowledge is useful in the new role. By doing this first step you will have a deeper insight into the needs of the role and can better highlight the relevant skills and experiences that will be valuable. Please note: don’t lie about your skills – it will always come back to bit you!
2. Start networking. When making a career change it's always better to connect with people rather than companies. There are multiple ways to network and connect with people in the desired field and industry. You can join online communities, connect with people on social media and engage with their content, sign up to relevant workshops and webinars and the old traditional way such as go to physical events and introduce yourself to others (they do still exist – I promise!)
3. Start building your personal brand consciously. Everyone has a personal brand – make sure you are showcasing the true you. You might be tired of hearing about “personal branding” but the uncomfortable truth is that everyone has one. If you are consistently late to meetings – that’s part of your personal brand. If you consistently help others – that’s part of your personal brand. So think about WHO you are and WHAT you stand for and make sure to act accordingly – online and offline. If you are serious about building a stronger brand online – pick 3 things you are passionate about and post about those topics consistently.
4. Ask for help. Use your friends' connections to get introduced to relevant people. You don't have to be alone in your job search. It’s common for people to feel like they don’t know anyone who can help, but once you actually start talking to your friends about what you want to do almost always you find out that someone knows someone who can help.
5. Stay up to date and informed. Read articles, blogs and follow relevant news in your industry. Knowledge is power as they say. And they’re right. If you know what people are talking about in your desired industry it’s easier to connect with them and showcase how you can bring value. You can also share these articles with relevant people to start conversations.
6. Keep learning. Everyone is a work in progress so never stop learning and growing. Whether it's through courses, conversations or books – keep develop yourself. People like people who are curious and eager to learn. Identify your development areas and do what you can to progress. It shows emotional intelligence and strong self-awareness – something that is deeply attractive to a potential employer.
7. Get a career coach. If you are someone who tends to struggle with following through or don't know where to start – a coach can help you guide you through the process. Ultimately you can read articles, books and blogs until they grow out of your ears but nothing will change unless you take action. But while spinning multiple plates at the same time it can be it’s easy to get caught up in your day to day. A coach is not only someone who can guide you through the steps of achieving what you want but will also give you the time, space and accountability you need to create results.
As a final note, I want to encourage you to approach the process of your career change with curiosity and open mind. The journey can be just as developing, rewarding and enjoyable if you go in with the right attitude. Don’t rush through it but take the time to get it right. You are on your own timeline, not anyone else’s!
Mikaela Contreras, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Mikaela is a career and leadership coach specialising in empowering the careers of impact-driven HR and People professionals. After graduating from university with a degree in HR she spent a decade working across multiple HR functions across 3 countries. She discovered that most HR and People professionals are so focused on other people’s careers and development that they forget to nurture their own. After digging deep into her own values, vision and superpowers – she decided that her effort were best used for coaching and supporting people professionals on their career journeys.
